Charge Notebook: Moving pieces

The Charge tweaked the roster prior to Saturday's game, swapping one Pitt guy for another. They activated forward Tyrell Biggs and deactivated wing player Gilbert Brown. Biggs had meniscus surgery in September. The knee flared up as this week progressed, but the Charge say it is normal soreness for a player working back from a procedure.

The Charge tweaked the roster prior to Saturday's game, swapping one Pitt guy for another. They activated forward Tyrell Biggs and deactivated wing player Gilbert Brown. Biggs had meniscus surgery in September. The knee flared up as this week progressed, but the Charge say it is normal soreness for a player working back from a procedure.

Brown was available in an emergency Friday night at Erie, but was not needed. Brown, whom the Charge drafted 14th overall earlier this month, has battled a hamstring problem since early in training camp. He'll be re-evaluated next week at practice.

"I want him to look me in the eye and say, 'I'm ready to go,' and see him go through a full practice," Charge head coach Steve Hetzel said. "When he feels healthy, that will make me feel confident. I don't just want to throw someone out there coming off an injury. It might worsen the situation."

Party animal

How did Hetzel celebrate his first career win Friday night in Erie?

"I watched the game on the bus ride home," Hetzel said.

Consistent message

Hetzel makes no secret that his primary focus is defense. His players hear the message loud and clear.

"No matter what we're doing offensively, he's screaming, 'Get back on defense! Defense! Defense! Defense!' said veteran guard Rashad Anderson, a UConn product. "I love that about coach. … I played for a guy who, as you all know, was a straight nut — Jim Calhoun.

"If you miss a defensive assignment, he is liable to run on the court and look at you all crazy, walk you down and give you an earful. Coach is great about getting us in the right positions."

Hetzel has impressed Anderson in many ways.

"He's a great coach," Anderson said. "A great motivator. A great Xs-and-Os coach. I think he's going to be a great coach one day in the NBA."